Fay R. Brounce

Fay R. Brounce, 94, of Millsboro, DE, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, September 19, 2025, surrounded by the people she loved most - her big, loud, beautiful family. Born on September 27, 1930, in Elrama, PA, to Thomas H. Rush and Jennie Keefer Rush, Fay spent nearly a century living life to the fullest. Whether she was soaking up the Florida sun during her winters in Fort Myers, whipping up something delicious in the kitchen, pulling a lucky slot at the casino, or packing a suitcase for her next adventure, Fay knew how to enjoy the ride. Over the years, she held a variety of jobs - from working at Acme Market in New Castle and IGA in Millsboro, to proudly running Fay's Nut Farm in Rehoboth Beach (a name that couldn't have been more perfect for her wonderfully nutty family). But Fay's favorite role, hands down, was being the glue that held her ever-growing family together. She lived by the motto "the more, the merrier," and if you've ever experienced one of her famously chaotic Christmas dinners, you know exactly what that meant. Noise? Laughter? Too much food? That was Fay's happy place. She shared 56 years of love and laughter with her husband, Thomas Brounce, before his passing in 2003. Together, they raised seven children and, as Fay proudly put it, "We built a beautiful life together, and I wouldn't change a thing." Fay is now reunited with her beloved children Thomas R. Brounce, Gary M. Brounce, and Barbara A. Cochran; grandchildren Gregory Hall, Christopher Wallace, and Tracie VonArx; and her siblings Thomas, Charles, and William Rush, and Jane Heath. Carrying on her legacy of joy and strength are her daughters Connie Welsh of Millsboro, DE; Janice Sheets of Bear, DE; Patricia Wallace (Wayne) of Millsboro, DE; and Suzanne Wiedmann (Luke) of Lewes, DE. Also surviving her are daughter-in-law Carol Brounce of Bear, DE; "bonus daughter" and caregiver Deborah Wood of Newark, DE; and her in-laws Howard and Janet Brounce of Aiken, SC. She also leaves behind 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and more nieces, nephews, and extended family than you can count - all of whom she adored and who will miss her deeply. A heartfelt thank-you goes out to VITAS Hospice for the gentle, compassionate care they gave Fay during her final chapter. A celebration of her incredible life will be held at a later date (because you know Fay would've wanted a proper party). In the meantime, memorial contributions can be made to: VITAS Healthcare 30265 Commerce Drive, Suite 202 Millsboro, DE 19966 Fay lived big, laughed often, and loved fiercely - and we wouldn't have had it any other way. Please sign thee tribute wall located on this website.